A little 'before and after' today...with oil finishing. But first, an analogy.
Oiling for me is a little bit like getting a drastic haircut (not what you were thinking?). The status quo c/hair is time tested and comfortable...even if it's bad, it's at least normal. Then, all of a sudden with scissor or brush, there is a major change in appearance. While necessary and for the better, I often do not like either at first.*
The before:
And after 3 coats of finish:
A bad haircut? And permanent no less...but on this occasion, I actually liked the depth of the various brown and tan hues almost immediately. Included in the oil was a bit of white pigment, hence the highlights in the pores, most noticeable in the backrest.
With the finishing complete, I'm ready to pick the color and purchase the felt.
*I also got my haircut this week, and amazingly, I liked it immediately...two in a row!